Domonique Foxworth was unsure just how many of his teammates would show up Tuesday morning to what has become his personal cause.
After all, the call of duty was between 5 a.m.-9 a.m., and on the Broncos’ day off. Foxworth — who asked the entire team for their support to the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center in a meeting last week — was hoping a smattering of teammates would show up. In all, about 45 Broncos showed up at the fundraiser at the center in Montbello where a memorial center in honor of the slain Broncos cornerback is expected to open early next year.
“I got there at about 5:10 this morning and there were guys already there,” Foxworth said. “It was an amazing show of support from the guys. It went well beyond my expectations. It’s really cool to see big-name guys like Champ (Bailey), Javon (Walker) and Jay (Cutler) to show up with all the time requests they have. This wasn’t a mandatory thing but it just shows the character of this team.”
The event was highlighted when Walker donated $30,000 to the cause. Walker was with Williams when he was shot and killed in a rented limousine in the early hours of Jan. 1 in downtown Denver.
There is about another $60,000 that needs to be raised before the center is open. All sales from the Broncos’ license plates for the rest of the calendar year will go to the center. There is a live auction on that will go on through Thursday evening. The featured items are five footballs that were autographed by Williams. Broncos receiver Rod Smith opened the bidding on one of the balls.
“I was astounded by the involvement,” said Broncos vice president of community development Cindy Galloway-Kellogg.
Foxworth also made progress Tuesday with his plea for help from the NFL Player’s Association. After the urging of coach Mike Shanahan, Upshaw called Foxworth to discuss ways the NFLPA can help. Upshaw told Foxworth the NFLPA will look into supplying grants that could help build sports fields adjacent to the teen center. Upshaw told Foxworth that the NFLPA’s web site will promote the center’s cause.
On July 27, Foxworth sent three letters to the NFLPA asking for a grant to help assist in the building of the teen center. Galloway-Kellogg made two follow-up calls to the union on his behalf. Neither the letters nor calls were returned. Shanahan heard of the situation and got in contact with Upshaw who called Foxworth. Upshaw told Foxworth he didn’t know about the requests until Shanahan called him. The NFLPA doesn’t give grants for buildings but it does give grants for sports fields.
“This could be another way of helping,” Foxworth said. “I can’t wait until I see coach Shanahan to thank him for getting this part of it rolling.”
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
